Health & Safety at Sports Clubs & Facilities

Health and safety legislation in a country is typically defined by one or more Occupational Health and Safety  Acts. These are typically and normally drafted with the workplace as prime focus. Health and safety is also an important area for sports clubs and should be addressed at all levels of the related activities. However, it places a duty of care upon the club to provide a safe environment to all who have cause to visit the club’s site and facilities.

 This article covers some general areas of health and safety, acting as a guide to the level of standards, which Melita FC Youth Nursery is aiming to achieve.

Club Action Plan For Health and Safety

 Melita FC Youth Nursery aims to undertake an assessment of the general health and safety risks within its own football grounds (old and new) and clubhouse.  

A simple 5-point plan may be used to identify, evaluate and monitor the risks in order to provide members, players, spectators and guests with as safe an environment as possible: 

1. Identify all areas of the facility that offer a potential risk to its users;
2. Measure the severity, frequency and probability of the risk;
3. Set up a plan to manage health and safety procedures;
4. Communicate these to members, players, spectators and guests;
5. Action and review through collective responsibility.

 A preliminary analysis of ‘evident’ potential risks at our Pembroke facility have prompted the Committee & Coaching Staff to the following actions: 

A.                  ‘Mobile’ goalposts:

i.                     Create awareness on proper use and associated risks of misuse (resp. Coaches - immediately);

ii.                   Purchase suitable weights to enhance goalpost stability against toppling over (resp. Committee – by end of year); 

B.                  Litter bins around football ground:

i.                     Create awareness on the importance of minimizing generation of litter, by using an appropriate, portable drinking container that can be washed and re-used (resp. Coaches – immediately);

ii.                   Create awareness on keeping the football grounds clean and the risks involved in doing otherwise (resp. Coaches – immediately);

iii.                  Replace metal bins with plastic equivalent and colour code to enable sorting at source. (resp. Committee – by end of year); 

C.                  Construction material inside football ground:

All such material to be removed from inside football grounds and disposed of in a safe manner (resp. Committee – ongoing). 

D.                  Fencing around football ground:

Broken fencing to be repaired and stray wire ends to be eliminated (resp. Committee – by end of year) 

E.                  Access to Clubhouse and football grounds:

i.                     Enhance safety at existing access to Clubhouse and football grounds by installing hand railing on all stair cases (resp. Committee – by end of year);

ii.                   Modify gate to open and rest against fencing or wall and avoid potential hazard of protruding edges (resp. Committee – by end of year).

F.                  Fix and clean water ditch around football ground.

Teaching Children about Safety

Children assume that the football ground environment is a safe place for them to play. However, they are unaware of all the hidden dangers that can occur on the field. It is important that adults talk with children and teach them about appropriate play behaviour. Children should understand the rules of the playing field and be taught to avoid unsafe situations. They should be able to identify and report hazards and should be taught which pieces of field equipment are appropriate for their ability level.

Parents can be instrumental in preventing children from being injured on the playing field. It is essential that parents, club officials and coaches continue to advocate for playing field safety; the best place to start is to contact a club representative and inform him that you are willing to become involved with this crucial issue.

Tips for Parents to keep Sports Fun and Safe 

·                     Make sure your child knows that, win or lose, you love him/her and are not disappointed with his/her performance.

·                     Be realistic about your child’s physical ability.

·                     Help your child set realistic goals.

·                     Emphasise improved performance, not winning. Praise improved skills.

·                     Do not relive your own athletic past through your child.

·                     Find out in advance what emergency plan your child’s coach has in case of injury.

·                     Make sure your child has a professional physical examination before joining a team.

·                     If your child is injured during practice or a game, make sure he/she receives proper medical attention. In case of rehabilitation, discuss it with the physician or therapist, so you can take part. Do not allow your child to return to practice until an injury is sufficiently healed.

·                     Provide a safe environment for your child’s training and competition. This includes ensuring the proper use of clothing, equipment and training methods.

·                     Control your emotions at games and events. Do not yell at other players, coaches or officials.

·                     Be a cheerleader for your child and the other children in the team.

·                     Respect your child’s coaches. Communicate openly with them; if you disagree with their approach, discuss it with them.

·                     Be a positive role model for your child. Enjoy sports yourself, set your own goals and live a healthy lifestyle.

Melita FC Youth Nursery exists for Parents & Kids to enjoy

Let’s keep our environment & facility safe, by: 

·                     Minimising pedestrianisation of the Car Park. This is a provision to park one’s cark and not a playing field or waiting area.

·                     Walk/pickup the children to/from the age group Meeting Point. Contact your Coach to identify this location.

·                     Be on time!

·                     Do not leave your children on their own. Be sure there is at least one Coach at the Meeting Point, before leaving.

·                     Ensure proper attire (clean kit/tracksuit/raincoat jackets/towel/face cloth) and suitable drink. Football is not a picnic; no food is allowed inside field of play.

·                     No running in corridors or at staircases and walking collectively in single file, or in twos, at most.

·                     All access doors to Clubhouse and Football Ground should be fully open and hinged. Inform Committee, Bartender or Coach/es, if otherwise.

·                     Inform Committee, Bartender or Coach/es if you notice any other potential hazard/s.

·                     Litter (water bottles, wrapping paper, etc.) should be disposed of, appropriately and out of the field of play.

·                     Equipment is ‘children’s property’; help the Coaches in teaching our kids to use the proper equipment in the right way. No hanging onto goal posts, etc…

·                     Parents/guardians are encouraged to watch their kids during training and in competitive matches.

·                     The football pitch is strictly reserved for Players & Coaches. Parents, guardians and/or visitors may watch from the terrace, in front of the Bar.